Hunt Details

Hunt Details & What to Expect

At Hoodoo Outfitters, every hunt is built around experience, strategy, and an intimate knowledge of the incredible landscape surrounding the Red Deer River. Our area is a mix of river-bottom cottonwood forest, rolling ranchland, farmland, deep coulees, and rugged badlands, perfect habitat for both mule deer and whitetail.

Below is a clear look at how your hunt will unfold each day and what you can expect from the terrain, the weather, and our hunting style.

The Terrain

You’ll be hunting in some of the most unique country in Alberta.
Expect a mix of:

• Rolling Ranchland & Farmland

Wide-open fields and gently rolling hills where mule deer feed at first light.
These open landscapes are ideal for covering ground and spotting deer early.

• Deep Coulees & Hoodoo Badlands

The classic Badlands terrain — steep cuts, hidden pockets, and natural funnels.
This is prime mule deer country, especially during the rut.

• Red Deer River Valley

A beautiful stretch of winding river lined with towering cottonwood forest, thick brush, and protected bedding areas.
This is where our biggest whitetails like to hide.

The combination of open country, broken terrain, and sheltered river-bottoms gives us multiple hunting styles to match the weather and deer movement.

Daily Hunting Style

Early Morning – Spotting & Glassing

We start every day before first light.
You and your guide will head out to glass the ranchland, farmland edges, and coulees from either the truck or a high vantage point. This lets us locate bucks as they feed or move back to bedding.

Once we find a good buck, we put together a plan for a stalk, using the terrain, wind, and cover to get you into range.

This is classic mule deer hunting, and the excitement builds the moment we lock eyes on a buck worth chasing.

Hunting Mule Deer

Mule deer thrive in the rolling terrain and coulees of our area. Our approach is:

• Morning Glassing

Find deer from afar using binoculars and spotting scopes.

• Strategic Spot-and-Stalk

Once a buck is located, we move carefully using breaks and folds in the land.

• Midday Bedding Moves

If the morning doesn’t produce a shot opportunity, we often catch deer settling into bedding areas and plan slow, methodical stalks through the coulees.

Mule deer hunts are active and exciting — lots of glassing, planning, and making moves.

Hunting Whitetail

Whitetails stay tight to the river and the heavy cover around the cottonwoods. Our methods shift a bit:

• Still-Hunting & Glassing

We can glass river edges, funnel areas, and brushy pockets.

• Ground Blind Hunting

On those really cold days, or when deer are moving less, we set up comfortable ground blinds tucked into the cottonwood forest.
A heater keeps you warm so you can stay still and focused. You’ll be surprised how many mature bucks cruise the bottoms during the rut.

• Midday River-bottom Walks

If conditions allow, we may still-hunt quietly through thick cover looking for deer slipping between bedding zones.

Weather & Conditions

Depending on your hunt dates, expect:

September–October (Bow Season)

Mild to cool weather
Deer still in summer–early fall patterns
Hunts may be hotel- or camp-based

November (Rifle Rut Hunts)

Crisp mornings, possible snow
Peak rut movement
Hunts include private bedrooms in our lodge + hot tub for evenings

What You Can Expect from Your Guide

Constant communication and a clear plan
Smart, ethical hunting decisions
A pace that matches your comfort and ability
Honest assessments of shot opportunities
Full support with field care and trophy handling